If you’re heading to Yogyakarta, don’t miss this unusual performance in an even more unusual setting. Several times a week, the majestic Prambanan Temple transforms into an open-air stage for the Ramayana Ballet — a spectacular blend of traditional Javanese dance, live gamelan music, and ancient storytelling.
With the temple as a backdrop and the night sky above, you’ll witness the legendary tale of love, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil unfold in a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
Why Visit?
First of all, the setting is truly special. During the dry season, the performance takes place on an open-air stage set directly in front of the majestic Prambanan Temple, beautifully lit under the night sky. It’s a rare opportunity to see culture, history, and atmosphere come together in one unforgettable experience.
The show brings to life the legendary Ramayana — a story of love, loyalty, and war, featuring heroic princes, devoted queens, and mythical monkey armies. Even if you’re not familiar with the tale, the expressive Javanese dance, vibrant costumes, and live gamelan orchestra make the story easy to follow. And to help you along, you’ll receive a leaflet with the storyline before the performance begins.
The surroundings are just as magical. You can explore Prambanan Temple in the late afternoon, or take a short trip to Ratu Boko, just 20 minutes away, to catch a breathtaking sunset over the plains before settling in for the show.
What to Expect
The Ramayana Ballet presents a timeless story of love, devotion, and courage — performed entirely without spoken dialogue. The narrative of Prince Rama, Princess Shinta, and the monkey warrior Hanoman is conveyed through classical Javanese dance, elaborate costumes, and the distinctive sound of a live gamelan orchestra — a traditional ensemble of gongs, metallophones, and drums that shapes the performance’s rich, immersive atmosphere.
From May to October, the show takes place outdoors, with the illuminated Prambanan Temple providing a striking backdrop. During the rainy season (November to April) — or in case of bad weather — performances are moved to the indoor Trimurti Theatre, located within the same complex.
A highlight of the show is the dramatic scene where Hanoman sets the Kingdom of Alengka on fire — featuring real flames and intense choreography that leaves a lasting impression.
Backindo Tip: There’s a restaurant inside the Prambanan complex, and some tour operators offer packages that include hotel pick-up and drop-off, dinner, and Ramayana Ballet tickets.
Practical Info
The Ramayana Ballet is performed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with shows starting at 7:30 PM, just after sunset — a perfect time for the outdoor stage to shine. Performances run from May to October in the open-air theatre, and move indoors to the Trimurti Theatre during the rainy season (November–April) or in case of rain.
Tickets range from IDR 150,000 to 450,000 (approx. $9–$27 USD), depending on seat class. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak travel months.
Dress comfortably, but consider bringing a light jacket or shawl, as the evening breeze can be cool. And if you’re into photography, a power bank is a good idea — the temple backdrop and dramatic fire scenes are truly photo-worthy.
Extra shows are sometimes added — for example, additional Saturdays in December. Always double-check the latest schedule, ideally via the official Instagram or website.
Backindo Tip: The Prambanan Temple ticket and the Ramayana Ballet ticket are separate. If you plan to visit the temple during the day and attend the ballet in the evening, you’ll need to purchase two different tickets.
How to Get Ticket
If you’re planning to see the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan, it’s best to book your tickets in advance. The official website is easy to use and accepts international cards like Visa and MasterCard.
You can also contact the team directly via WhatsApp at +62 858-0352-5354, which is especially handy if you have questions.
Avoid buying tickets on the spot — they often sell out quickly, especially during the dry season and holiday periods.
Seating & Ticket Classes
The Ramayana Ballet is performed at three venues: the main Open-Air Theatre, the Trimurti Indoor Theatre, and occasionally the smaller Riverfront Amphitheatre (used for additional shows).
There are four ticket classes for outdoor shows and three for indoor and riverfront venues. Prices vary based on seating:
- Outdoor (Open-Air Theatre):
- VIP: Rp450,000 (~$29 USD)
- Special: Rp350,000 (~$22 USD)
- Class 1: Rp200,000 (~$13 USD)
- Class 2: Rp150,000 (~$10 USD)
- Indoor (Trimurti Theatre) & Riverfront:
- Special: Rp350,000 (~$22 USD)
- Class 1: Rp200,000 (~$13 USD)
- Class 2: Rp150,000 (~$10 USD)
Class 2 is located on the sides and generally offers a limited view — we recommend going for at least Class 1 or better Special class for a more enjoyable experience.
Other Shows in Prambanan
Besides the classic Ramayana Ballet, there are two other performances at Prambanan that are worth knowing about — each offering a unique cultural angle.
Shinta Obong takes place at the Prambanan Riverfront Amphitheatre, usually on Friday evenings around 5:30 PM. It’s a reimagined moment from the Ramayana story, told from Shinta’s perspective. Expect more symbolic rituals, fire dances, and a slightly more spiritual tone. The riverside setting makes the whole experience feel atmospheric and a bit different from the main ballet. You can often book it as part of a package that includes dinner.
Meanwhile, Roro Jonggrang is based on a well-known local legend that explains how Prambanan Temple came to be. This show happens indoors at the Trimurti Theatre, usually starting at 7:30 PM, and it features traditional Javanese dance in a more intimate, enclosed setting.
How to Get to Ramayana Stage
The Ramayana Ballet is held at a different entrance than the main Prambanan Temple gate, so don’t head to the usual ticket counter. Instead, follow signs for the Ramayana Ballet / Trimurti Theatre entrance, which is located on the west side of the complex, closer to the main road.
From Yogyakarta, getting there is simple:
- By Grab or Gojek: The most convenient way — a direct ride from the city center takes around 30–45 minutes.
- By public transportation: Take the Trans Jogja Route 1A from central Yogyakarta (e.g. Malioboro or Tugu Station). Get off at Terminal Prambanan, then walk or take a short ojek ride to the theatre.
- By train: Local trains stop at Brambanan Station — from there it’s a 20–30 minute walk or a quick ride by ojek or taxi.
- By shuttle or private driver: If you’re using a private driver, they can take you directly to the Ramayana Ballet entrance.
Looking for a reliable driver to take you around Yogyakarta? Drop us a message at hello@backindo.com — we’ll be happy to share our trusted recommendations.
Where to Stay in Yogyakarta
Prambanan is easy to reach from Yogyakarta city center, so it makes perfect sense to stay downtown and visit the temple as a day trip. We’ve already shared our favorite picks in this Yogyakarta accommodation guide.
But if you prefer a quieter setting closer to the temple, consider staying near Prambanan itself. Prambanan TRISAN Homestay offers a friendly, local atmosphere, while Abhayagiri – Sumberwatu Heritage Resort comes with sweeping views and a more luxurious vibe — perfect if you want to enjoy the evening breeze after the ballet performance.
Is Ramayana Worth It?
Absolutely. The Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan isn’t just a performance — it’s one of those rare travel experiences that stays with you. Set against the backdrop of ancient temples and accompanied by live gamelan music, the show is rich in atmosphere and culture, but still engaging even if you’re not a dance or history expert.
It’s a beautiful way to spend an evening in Yogyakarta — and honestly, many of our friends described it as the highlight of their entire trip.